A cap-badge carved from bone?

[JSFMACLJR]

I'm not a fan of showing too much metal if I'm wearing daywear, but I've been wanting a Balmoral in green lovat or fawn, and would like to sport a McLaren clan cap-badge.

I've just asked a bone-carver for a quote to have one made from 'bovine ivory'. It'd be a slightly stylised and simplified version of the usual crest, but I've a feeling it could look good.

Do you think it's a good idea? Are there any implications to consider? Has anyone thought of this before?

Just make sure that the crest badge conforms to the blazon (description) of the Chief's crest, and that the buckle, strap, and motto are not omitted, as the crest belongs to Donald MacLaren of MacLaren and Achleskine and is his personal property.

[kiltedsawyer]

Just make sure that the crest badge conforms to the blazon (description) of the Chief's crest, and that the buckle, strap, and motto are not omitted, as the crest belongs to Donald MacLaren of MacLaren and Achleskine and is his personal property.

Lord Lyon's Secret Police walking the beat!

[MacLowlife]

On second thought, there is a relatively easy way to get a non-metal clan badge, with all of the detail you want. Start with a clear drawing of the badge, take it to a place that does laser-computer engraving. Most larger trophy shops do, but there are also heraldic jewelers who do sometimes, too. Anyway, give them the clear line drawing and have them cut it into either an ivory-composite material or a piece of wood- probably walnut would work best. Then, do as much jiggery-pokery to it as you dare ( cutting out bits?) and affix a pin back. It still might cost more than a tin badge, but you can get whatever you want and it ought to be reproducible.

[MacLowlife]

MacBug, you shall NOT derail this thread. But you do remind me of some ancient carved handbag handles my great aunt had, made from some kind of bone or ivory. There was a lot of piercing-work, probably done with a file by a 6 year old. The same sort of work could be done on an arc to make a cantle, especially if the material were polymer. How that would be attached to the sporran is up to you. AND, if one chose to work out some kind of low relief/ scrimshaw design, the laser engraving technique might work for a cantle, too.

[Bugbear]

MacBug, you shall NOT derail this thread. But you do remind me of some ancient carved handbag handles my great aunt had, made from some kind of bone or ivory. There was a lot of piercing-work, probably done with a file by a 6 year old. The same sort of work could be done on an arc to make a cantle, especially if the material were polymer. How that would be attached to the sporran is up to you. AND, if one chose to work out some kind of low relief/ scrimshaw design, the laser engraving technique might work for a cantle, too.

Actually, the image in my mind was of those skulls with calligraphy on the foreheads. I can't remember where that was, I saw it on TV long, long ago, and I think it was somewhere in Europe.

All Right, I'll try to be quiet, MacLowlife...

[davidlpope]

Lord Lyon's Secret Police walking the beat!

Let's please keep this discourse civil and avoid such remarks. When comparisons to totalitarian regimes enter a discussion, discourse seems to go quickly downhill.

Cordially,

David

[kiltedsawyer]

Let's please keep this discourse civil and avoid such remarks. When comparisons to totalitarian regimes enter a discussion, discourse seems to go quickly downhill.

Cordially,

David

Please dear sir, accept my humble apology as I did not mean to offend YOU in THAT post. However, I should note that I have re-read THAT post several times and find neither the word totalitarian, or regime, and so with all due respect I can do little but join you in not knowing what you are talking about.
Sincerely,
David

[JolyStNicholas]

Sounds interesting indeed. Will be waiting on the outcome!

[Squeaky McMurdo]

I've thought about how a sporran cantle made from a carved elk antler might be cool...executing this is another matter though.